TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington are to be asked to set up a working party to consider setting up “no-go areas” for cold-calling doorstep traders.
A report to be considered by the borough council’s executive board next week will recommend that a working 
group be established and explore the feasibility of creating “No Cold Calling Zones” – and identify areas suitable for the zones.
This follows pressure from Poplars and Hulme ward councillor Brian Maher (pictured), who raised the issue at a recent council meeting.
He said a survey carried out in his ward had revealed overwhelming support from residents for a pilot scheme to stop “cold calling” in the area
He claimed residents were “suffering in silence” because the majority did not report incidents of aggressive doorstep selling either to police or Trading Standards.
The report to go to the executive board says no cold calling zones could protect vulnerable people from rogue traders and distraction burglars.
Evidence was emerging which suggested that a combination of street signs, door stickers and increased awareness by residents did deter unwanted callers and reduce doorstep crime.
But it stresses that cold calling is not illegal and that traders who continued to operate in a no cold-calling zone would not be committing an offence.
Power companies encouraging people to change suppliers have indicated they will continue to call in the zones.
It points out that officials, including the council’s own officers, sometimes carry out cold calls in the course of their duties and would be likely to continue to do so if zones were established.
In addition, it was possible that setting up no cold-calling zones could attract rogue traders targeting vulnerable residents.
The report stresses that consultation with local residents is vital and should include evidence to justifying setting up a zone, in the event of future challenges from trade associations representing cold callers.
In addition, the working group should involve council officers, police and other partners.
No go areas for cold-calling
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
